Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) Invites Customers and Enthusiasts to Porsche Malaysia’s inaugural Sportscar Together Day at The Sepang Circuit on 3rd August 2019

Interesting Saturday ahead folks, especially if you are a Porsche owner or you are an enthusiast of the sports car brand. On 3rd of August 2019, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official distributor of Porsche here in Malaysia invites its customers and all Porsche fans to Malaysia’s inaugural (Porsche) Sportscar Together Day, at Sepang International Circuit. 

An Adventure of a Lifetime with Isuzu - Buy A D-Max and Get A Chance To Win A Trip To Iceland and More

New Contest! Isuzu Malaysia is offering ten of their new Isuzu D-Max Pick-up Truck customers the chance to win a holiday. The Isuzu Win an Adventure of a Lifetime is a contest where the Grand Prize winners will be going on a 10-day holiday for two flying business class to Iceland. This is quite holiday to a place where it is not on the usual holiday spots for most Malaysians. Aside from this unique experience, there are other unique trips that one could win. 

MICHELIN Malaysia Launches the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 SUV - New Flagship Tyre for SUVs

MICHELIN Malaysia officially launched the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 SUV recently. This is their new flagship tyre for for high performance, premium Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) and it is essentially the tyre that replaces their Latitude series in some ways which should still be on sale. The MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 SUV was developed with excellent longevity, remarkable braking performance, dynamic handling and a comfortable driving experience in mind.

CAM Kingo Van Launched in Malaysia - 4 Variants to Choose From RM99K Onwards

I believe in the past five years or so, commercial vehicles from China have been making inroads here in Malaysia, especially in the light commercial vehicle segment, particularly when it comes to vans. Recently, R&A Marketing Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Sendok Group), the sole distributor of King Long Minivan in Malaysia has launched the new CAM Kingo series, a new van series under the King Long brand name. 

Video: Test Drive of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe - This 7 Seater Does Perform Well, Especially in the 2.2Liter Turbodiesel Form!

So I recently got to try out the All-New 2019 4th generation Hyundai Santa Fe recently. The try out happened during the recent media drive of the 7 seater SUV which took a bunch of media type folks from Batu 3 in Shah Alam and into the Malaysian countryside where we did a spot of off-roading in both the 2.4liter Petrol and 2.2liter CDRi turbodiesel variants. The Santa Fe performed quite admirably for what is essentially a 'soft-roader' as I would call it. Do note that this time I only drove both the 2.4 Petrol and the 2.2 Diesel Executive variants and not the more Premium variants. The time factor was also in play here as it was quite a short trip to Negeri Sembilan and back this time.

VIDEO REVIEW - HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.4 & 2.2 EXECUTIVE

Media Statement By UMW Toyota Motor on the Toyota Rush Recall in Philippines - IT DOES NOT AFFECT US HERE AT ALL

The Official Media Release by UMW Toyota Motor on the reports regarding the new Toyota Rush having issues over in the Philippines is placed below. It seems the RUSH 7 Seater SUV is suffering Airbag ECU issues over there. But do not fret, as UMW Toyota Motor has announced that there is no issue affecting our Toyota Rush sold here.

Hino Malaysia Launches the HINO 700 Series Heavy Duty Truck With 16 Speed AMT

Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (HMSM) launched its new HINO 700 Series heavy-duty trucks with 16-speed Automated-Manual Transmission (AMT). While this refreshed 700 Series was launched early 2019, it did not come with the AMT option then. Now, HMSM has finally brought this into Malaysian and the truck is fully imported from Japan (CBU).

The Limited Edition MINI Convertible Is Unveiled - Only 20 Units Celebrating MINI's 60th Birthday

The MINI Brand celebrates 60 years of the car here in Malaysia by introducing the New MINI Convertible as part the Malaysian chapter of the 60th birthday celebrations of MINI. There will only be 20 units of the New MINI Convertible this time and the price for exclusive open-top motoring will cost you RM279,888 before insurance. 

Upcoming Events: The LifeWire - 25th to 28th July 2019 at the LINC, KL - Food, Workshops, Car Meet and Live Music

Pop Up, Link Up is a new startup that focuses on conceptual bazaars for entrepreneurs and interested individuals, is proud to present their first ever conceptual event, The LifeWire. Featuring food, product workshops, a car meet consisting of two car clubs and live gigs set to be held at The LINC in KL from the 25th to 28th July, 10am to 10pm.

Upcoming Volkswagen Arteon Now Available for Booking - Prices Estimated to be Between RM290K to RM310K When Launched

The next new Volkswagen to be launched here in Malaysia is the Volkswagen Arteon. This is what was once the Passat CC, then the CC and now, the Arteon 5 door fastback coupe by Volkswagen (it used to be a 4 door sedan/coupe). Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), the folks who are the official Volkswagen distributor here is now accepting pre-bookings for the all-new Volkswagen Arteon. The fully imported Arteon R-Line is expected to be priced between RM290,000 and RM310,000 when it launches in a few months time.

The All-New 2019 Mazda 3 is Launched in Malaysia - CBU and Prices Start at RM139k Onwards

The All-New Third Generation Mazda 3 is here. What was a continuation of the original compact car, the Mazda 323, now has the latest iteration of their unique KODO design and the latest in their Skyactiv-Vehicle technologies which brings the driver and vehicle together. The 3 will be fully imported (CBU) for now and will come in the 1.5L Liftback (Hatchback) and Sedan, the 2.0L High (sedan only) and the 2.0L High Plus in both Liftback and Sedan. With prices starting at RM139K onwards, it offers a lot of improvements which belies its slightly higher than usual asking price.

Additional 2 Years Free Maintenance Now Offered For New Volkswagn Tiguan, Passat 1.8TSI Comfortline and 2.0TSI Highline. - 5 Years Free Maintenance Offer Till 31st December 2019

It is actually a very good time to go and buy a new Volkswagen car. Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) have just announced an additional two years free maintenance two of its bestselling models The two models are the Volkswagen Tiguan (offer for all variants) and the Volkswagen Passat now on sale by VPCM. But this isn't a permanent offer as it is only for new car buyers from 1st of July till 3 st December 2019

Motorsport: Team PROTON R3 Does Extremely Well in the Production Series Races in Round 3 of the 2019 Malaysia Championship Series

Round 3 of the 2019 Malaysia Championship Series (MSC) saw Team PROTON R3 (R3) dominate M-production series races. Team R3 managed to procure a double victory which included a 1-2-3 finish in race two. The MSC Round 3 was held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) over the weekend. 

MINI Malaysia Celebrates the 60th Birthday of the MINI - New Celebration Variants To Be Unveiled on 19th July 2019

In conjunction with the 60 th Anniversary of MINI, MINI Malaysia recently gathered its MINIacs and Friends of MINI to form the number 60 with their MINI vehicles. The photos they took of the memorable occasion showed the Kuala Lumpur skyline making this Malaysian celebration of the MINI a little bit more different from the other celebrations of this iconic car, and brand elsewhere.

Over 400 Volkswagen Beetle Cars Come Together for the Beetle, An Iconic Gathering, held at Putrajaya

Last weekend, 405 Volkswagen Beetle from many different variants came together for the  'Beetle, An Iconic Gathering' event at Putrajaya. The gathering on 13th July 2019 was organised by official Volkswagen distributors here, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and it was joined by Beetle owners from up north in Perlis to down south in Johor Bahru making it one of the largest gatherings for what is arguably the ultimate automotive icon.

Industry News - Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Welcomes New Head of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia had recently announced the appointment of Michael Jopp as the new Head of Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Malaysia & SEA II beginning 1st July of 2019. Mr. Jopp’s appointment comes into effect as the incumbent, Mark Raine completes four years tenure in Malaysia who is now based in South Korea where is he is now the Vice President of Product & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Korea. 

The 8th Generation Porsche 911 (Type 992) Has Been Launched - Carrera S & Carrera 4S Variants Now Available for Order

The official distributors of Porsche in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), launched the new, eight generation Porsche 911  at the Sepang International Circuit last Friday, the 12th of July 2019. The launch coincided with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) race series weekend here where race versions of the 911 will be competing against one another. The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is used (with the new car as the Safety car seen below),and these GT3 Cup cars  will compete in rounds 6, 7 and 8 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) race series. Anyway, two variants of the new Type 992 Porsche 911 were announced for the moment, the 911 Carerra S and the 911 Carerra 4S variants. 

Volkswagen Beetle Collector's Edition Launched to Commemorate the End of Production of this Iconic Model - Only 75 Units Available

All good things come to an end. The current iteration of the Volkswagen New Beetle is in its final legs of production as Volkswagen had announced that 2019 will be its final year of production. So as a wrap up to a illustrious production run and its sale here in Malaysia, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has unveiled an homage to the Bug with the exclusive Collector’s Edition Beetle. Only 75 units of this Beetle will be on sale in this special final edition specification.

The Facelifted BMW 7 Series Has Been Launched with One Variant for Now - The 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence

Aside from launching their new flagship SUV, the BMW X7 SAV, BMW Malaysia had finally unveiled the New BMW 7 Series. Sporting some restyled bits, notably the more prominent front end, the New BMW 7 Series will be offered here in only one variant for now, - the BMW 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence variant. This is a new-generation Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) which has a range of around 46km in electric mode and will cost interested parties RM594,000 before any insurance.

BMW X7 Launched - BMW Malaysia Launches BMW'S Flagship SUV here in Malaysia

BMW Malaysia has launched the First-Ever BMW X7 luxury SUV here in Malaysia.This is the largest BMW SUV series to date.BMW calls this their luxury-class BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) which they believe will set a new benchmark in the luxury segment. We get one variant - the BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence and its asking price is RM 888,800.00 before insurance. It was launched together with the facelifted 7 Series on the 11th of July 2019.

Upcoming Events - Art of Speed 2019 - Malaysia's Premier Old Skool & Kustom Kulture Automotive Event At MAEPS Serdang on the 27th & 28th July 2019

The Art of Speed is back for 2019. The show is Malaysia’s premier Old-Skool & Kustom Kulture event and it basically returns for its eighth edition, bringing with it a showcase of locally-built customised cars and bikes, art gallery, interactive activities and exciting lucky draw giveaways that visitors have come to enjoy. It is scheduled to happen at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS), on 27 July 2019 (10:00 am – 11:00 pm) and 28 July 2019 (10:00 am –7:00 pm).

Shell Malaysia's ‘Anda Beli, Kami Derma’ Raya Charity Campaign 2019 Concludes - RM1.92Million to Go To National Cancer Society, Food Aid Foundation & Malaysian Nature Society

The recent ‘Anda Beli, Kami Derma’ Raya Charity Campaign by Shell Malaysia had managed to raise a grand total of RM1.92million. The campaign, which is in its fifth year, had ran for ten (10) days between 30 May 2019 to 8 June 2019 this time around in an effort to spread the spirit of caring and sharing during the ‘balik kampung’ season.

Goodyear Malaysia Promotes Sustainability by Installing 6,680 Solar Panels At Its Corporate Office and Production Plant

Goodyear Malaysia recently installed 6,680 solar panels to power its corporate office as well as production plant in Shah Alam. This is a truly noble effort in sustainability which is still sorely lacking in corporate Malaysia. The solar panels are capable of producing 2.5-megawatts of power and is connected to six Low Voltage (LV) substations that are located within the plant

Happenings - Naza Group Donates a Kia Cerato Sedan to the ILKBS for the Car Painting Competition at WorldSkills Competition (WSC) 2019

The Naza Group has graciously contributed a Kia Cerato sedan to the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institute (ILKBS) in support of Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and the Malaysian contestant, Mohamad Ridzuan, who will be competing in the Car Painting category at the WorldSkills Competition (WSC) 2019.

LOKATECH Engineering Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with EFKON launched the first built-in toll reader for the aftermarket.

LOKATECH Engineering Sdn Bhd has launched the first aftermarket built-in toll reader for all of us using toll roads to use. The LokaTAG built-in toll reader was made in collaboration with EFKON, the Austrian technology provider of Malaysia’s nationwide infra-red electronic toll collection system. This is the people who first provided us with the SmartTag reader for Malaysia toll roads. Do note that in conjunction with the launch there is a promotion for the built-in reader on Shopee Malaysia (inclusive of installation) which is stated down below.

Caltex Petrol Used For Record Breaking Run Now Available For All to Use at All Caltex Stations Nationwide

Caltex with Techron ® recently powered a 28-year-old Honda Civic up a 1,000m ascent in record time, setting a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for the ‘Fastest Ascent of Doi Chang Mountain Road by Car’. Now, the same petrol which was used for the record breaking attempt can be pumped into your tank at all Caltex stations nationwide. Doi Chang is a 2,175m mountain in the Chiang Mai Province in Thailand. Known for its coffee plantations it is now known for hill-climbing. At least for this record breaking effort anyway.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Starts Their Merdeka & Malaysia Day Promotions - Low Interest Rates and More

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has started their Merdeka and Malaysia day promotions for their vehicles. Those interested in financing their new Mitsubishi can apply for hire purchase with the lowest interest rate of up to 0.88% for the Mitsubishi Triton. This is exclusive with Maybank hire purchase only. As this promotion is in conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka and Malaysia Day festivities, it is valid from today until 30 September 2019 only.

MINI Malaysia Introduces the 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme (MSRI) - Free Service & Unlimited Mileage Warranty for 60 Months For a Limited Time Only!

MINI Malaysia has introduced the 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme (MSRI) for all new MINI vehicles purchased from now to 31 st August 2019. This is in conjunction with MINI's 60th anniversary and this unique offer provides new MINI owners with 60 months or 80,000km (whichever comes first) of Free Scheduled Service and 60 months of Warranty with Unlimited Mileage across all models in the MINI portfolio. Quite a good deal for anyone who wants to own a MINI at this moment.

Perodua Hosts PERKESO's National 'Safe Driving to Workplace' Campaign 2019

Earlier today, Perodua hosted the launch of PERKESO’s National ‘Safe Driving to Workplace’ Campaign 2019. The event which was attended by Human Resources Minister YB M Kula Segaran, Chief Secretary to the Human Resources Ministry YBhg Dato’ Amir Omar, PERKESO Chief Executive YBhg Dato’ Sri Dr Mohammed Azman Dato’ Aziz Mohammed and Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer YBhg Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad. The reason for this was Perodua's commitment to keep pushing for road safety even after the Hari Raya festive season has ended and they would like to collaborate with PERKESO in their push for this cause, especially for their 8,500 personnel who commute to the Perodua facilities in Sungai Choh.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Apprentice Training Centre Automotive Mechatronic Training Programme Batch 14 Graduation Recently Happened

Another 30 apprentices graduated from the Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Training Centre this year, to contribute towards Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's long term strategy to ensure that customers have the best brand experience. To date, 850 trainees who have undergone the three-year training  have graduated from the centre The certification and training gives them the qualification to provide world-class after-sales services for Mercedes-Benz valued customers. It also gives them a career as part Mercedes-Benz.

MCVE 2019 - Shell Malaysia Showcases Solutions for Transporters - New Rimula Ultra Announced and Will Be Launched Here Soon

We still haven't finished with reports on the happenings at the recent 2019 Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE). Well, this could be the final one actually and it is about Shell Malaysia. The energy provider had showcased its complete end-to-end fleet lubrication solutions for the transport and logistics industry. This is the Shell Rimula range of premium low viscosity synthetic lubricants, Shell FuelSave Diesel with Dynaflex Technology and Shell Card which will benefit fleet operators by helping them achieve optimum efficiency, productivity and reduce total cost of ownership.

Analysis - PROTON Cars Seem to Be Back On Track - June 2019 is the Second Highest Sales Numbers for the Company

The facts - Solid Sales Performance by Proton. The company sold 7,615 units June 2019. 18.1% Total Industry Volume market share from a market that had SHRUNK by 30.8% to 42,090 units (for June). But this drop is common after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive holidays. But still impressive.

VIDEO: 2019 BMW M2 Competition Track Test / Drive Experience at the Sepang Circuit

This is the video of my track test / session on the Sepang Circuit with the 2019 BMW M2 Competition. As I've stated in the launch article, which has a written part of this drive experience, the compact coupe is sublime. The car feels like something ol' skool as the 3.0liter twin turbocharged in-line six feels so lag free and full of throttle response. Go read it here if you haven't.

The all-new Lexus ES250 will be Launched Soon - Prices Estimated to Start at RM299,888 onwards

The seventh generation Lexus ES sedan will be launched here in Malaysia. Lexus Centres nationwide will begin accepting pre-launch booking for the all-new Lexus ES250 beginning today. There will be two variants of the ES250 offered, one is the ES250 Luxury and the other, the ES250 Premium. Prices are estimated to start at RM299,888 onwards for this full sized, premium Japanese sedan.

Perodua Starts Selling Cars in the Seychelles - Their Latest Export Market

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa, and it is Perodua's newest overseas market. The compact car company has launched their smallest car, the Perodua Axia there, which is quite a popular tourist destination. The Axia will be offered in  E MT, G AT, SE and AV variants at promotional prices of 235,000 (*RM71,500), 265,000 (*RM80,600), 275,000 (*RM83,700) and 290,000 (*RM88,300) Seychellois Rupees respectively.